The next 2 days were spent on the Beaverhead system. We covered a lot of water via drift boat, getting out to wade to most productive stretches. It was wonderfully relaxed fishing, highly productive, and in all an experience to last a lifetime. The Beaverhead River is a unique fishery with many continuous months of constant temperature within the range that promotes a much longer brown trout growing season. As a matter of fact, Jay offered a mind-blowing Beaverhead statistic: "A recent fish survey indicates there is approximately one 4 pound trout for every 40 feet of bank". Plus of course many, many smaller fish.
Think about this. It takes a lot of available food and an unusually long warm water season to grow that many big fish in a relatively small stream. And this was in fact clearly demonstrated as we floated and waded, casting nymphs, Wooly -Buggers and an occasional dry fly to the bank. We took many browns and rainbows that day, up to 22 inches. I also hooked a big rainbow that made a hard 50 yard upstream run before breaking me off. I'm still thinking about that fish. The water is gin-clear water, allowing the angler to often first spot the fish he or she will be casting to. And the entire visual impact of this unspoiled area is heightened considerably by the wildlife you see as you go along. On this particular day we even saw a mother moose and 3 big calves, plus 2 fawns. < previous - next >